PRESCHOOL STAFF
PRESCHOOL STAFF
DIRECTOR
I am honored to be taking over the position of Director at MLCS Preschool. I have an Associates in Social and Behavioral Sciences, with a heavy focus on Early Childhood Education and Preschool Administration. I also hold a Site Supervisor Permit, making this my third year as a Director.
I grew up in the church, right here in my hometown of Tuolumne. Ever since I was eight years old and “worked” (volunteered) every Sunday in the Sunday school class and nursery, I knew I wanted to work with children and families. I have spent over ten years working with children and families, in every avenue from volunteering at camps, VBS, running a home daycare to Preschool Master Teacher, and now Director.
My husband and I have raised our six amazing children here in the foothills and we are overjoyed to have them join MLCS with me. I look forward to being in a God centered school, knowing no matter what we do, God should be at the center. I can’t wait for the incredible opportunity to be able to shape
young minds while also teaching the word and love of God. I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to treat all our littlest learners and staff with unconditional love, as He loves us all unconditionally.
I look forward to being a part of this MLCS family and hope to meet you soon!
I am honored to be taking over the position of Director at MLCS Preschool. I have an Associates in Social and Behavioral Sciences, with a heavy focus on Early Childhood Education and Preschool Administration. I also hold a Site Supervisor Permit, making this my third year as a Director.
I grew up in the church, right here in my hometown of Tuolumne. Ever since I was eight years old and “worked” (volunteered) every Sunday in the Sunday school class and nursery, I knew I wanted to work with children and families. I have spent over ten years working with children and families, in every avenue from volunteering at camps, VBS, running a home daycare to Preschool Master Teacher, and now Director.
My husband and I have raised our six amazing children here in the foothills and we are overjoyed to have them join MLCS with me. I look forward to being in a God centered school, knowing no matter what we do, God should be at the center. I can’t wait for the incredible opportunity to be able to shape
young minds while also teaching the word and love of God. I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to treat all our littlest learners and staff with unconditional love, as He loves us all unconditionally.
I look forward to being a part of this MLCS family and hope to meet you soon!
STAFF
Hello, my name is Denise Peck. I am the lead teacher in the Ladybug (2-3yr old) class. I have my AS in child development and started working with toddlers in 2010 at Safari Learning Preschool. I’ve worn a few hats here at Mother Lode, substitute teacher and interim director, but I love being with the toddler age group. They are so smart, curious and loving.
I love being able to teach them about God and prayer and being able to share my faith with them. I love science, art, books, songs, cooking, gardening, and it’s wonderful to be able to share all those things with the little ones through a biblical lens. God’s love is the greatest thing we can share, and biblical truths are the most important thing we can teach our children, so I’m blessed to work in a place where I am able to do just that.
I have two children, my daughter Kimberly, and my son Everett, who attend Mother Lode Christian. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Casey, since 2016. I also teach Sunday school at my church once a month.
Hello, my name is Candace Thomazin. I am the lead teacher in the Caterpillar class. I started working in child care right after high school. I started with infants at a private preschool in Southern California, then moved up to 4 year olds. Then in 2014 I moved up to Sonora and started working at Safari Learning Preschool. In 2017 I worked for a couple years as the children’s director at Twain Harte Bible Church
I am so excited to be joining this wonderful family of teachers at Motherlode Christian Preschool. I love being able to teach them about God and prayer and being able to share my faith with them alongside watching and helping them grow. I love being able to help the children learn and grow through different activities like circle time, cooking, art projects and so much more. I am so blessed to be able to teach in a place where not only do I get to help kids learn but I get to share God’s love and so many Bible stories.
I have two children, my son Steven and my daughter Annabelle. I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Miles since 2016.
I was born and raised in Tuolumne County. I am an active member of my church and with the community here as well. I love to volunteer at MYACT Theatre and help direct/be a part of the summer camp and community shows! I’ve also earned my AA-T degree in Elementary Education, along with many ECE units.
My future educational goals are to pursue my BA and teaching credential to become a K–8 multi-subject teacher. One day, I hope to use these accomplishments to help educate trafficking survivors all around the world, including in other countries. I love to work with children and see them blossom into who God has destined them to be.
My previous experience includes working as a private school Kindergarten teacher and with teachers assisting in the 5th and 6th grade classrooms here at MLCS. I am beyond excited for this amazing opportunity to be the Butterfly Classroom Teacher and can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for my future students!
